Markets end flat; IT, auto, banks slip; metals, power gain

05 February 2008

It was a very quiet day for the markets as they opened on weak note in line with its global peers and traded quiet but flat amid for most part of the day. Broader markets were in focus during todays trade and the market breadth was positive through the day. However, on the volume front, the markets disappointed once again.

It was a bad for the auto, IT and banking stocks as they traded on subdued note through out the day. Metal, realty, power and pharma stocks were firm along with the midcap stocks.  

Sensex  ended up 2.84 points or 0.02% at 18663.16, and the Nifty was up 20.40 points or 0.37% at 5483.90. On BSE, about 1985 shares advanced, 961 shares declined, and 62 shares were unchanged. BSE midcap ended up 0.83% at 8071.29 and smallcap was up 1.01% at 10466.78.

BSE auto index ended down 1.635 at 5024.67. Hero Honda, Maruti, and Mahindra & Mahindra were top losers.

BSE bankex closed down 1.56% at 10937.60. Axis bank, HDFC bank and Union bank were top losers.

BSE FMCG index ended down 0.46% at 2234.04. GSK, bata India and United Spirits were top losers.